The Magpies were keenly chasing the French international over the summer and it did at one point seem as though the St James’ Park side had got their man, only for the deal to fall through.

Instead Pardew brought in QPR forward Loic Remy on a loan deal and thus far this has proven very successful though the continued poor form displayed by Papiss Cisse may well lead to the club needing a further injection of striking talent.

Gomis has experienced something of an average season thus far, scoring three goals in nine Ligue 1 appearances, but is generally considered one of the most consistent strikers in the French top tier and a move to Newcastle United may help secure a more prominent role in Didier Deschamps French World Cup finals squad.

The powerful forward has reached double figures in terms of goal tally in five of the last six Ligue 1 campaigns and could in theory be an excellent foil for Remy up front.